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Connecticut LLC
Business Licenses and Permits
How to form an LLC in Connecticut
This Quick Start Guide is a brief overview of how to form an LLC in Connecticut.
Detailed Lessons:
5. EIN Number
6. Annual Report
7. Business Licenses ← you are here
8. Taxes
Connecticut LLC costs:
Connecticut state fee: $120 (one-time fee)
Annual report: $20 (every year)
Need help?
Hire a company to form your Connecticut LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(check out Northwest vs LegalZoom)
After your Connecticut LLC is approved, you’ll need to comply with state and local government license and permit requirements.
Your requirements are determined by the industry you are in and where your business is located.
Not complying with license and permit requirements is risky and can result in penalties and fines, or worse, not being allowed to conduct business in the state.
Types of licenses you may need in Connecticut
Below are some license and permits examples:
- Department of Revenue State Tax ID number
- Business operation license/business privilege license
- Sales tax license
- Seller/reseller permit
- Building permit
- Health permit
- Signage permit
- Home occupation permit
- Zoning and land use permits
- Withholding taxes (if you have employees)
Industries that are more regulated usually have more requirements.
Do it yourself in Connecticut
CT Department of Revenue State Tax ID Number
Because you are operating a business in Connecticut, you will need to register with the Department of Revenue and get a CT State Tax Identification Number.
You can register with the Department of Revenue using Form REG-1 (instructions) or register online.
You can contact the Department of Revenue with any questions at 860-297-5962, or visit their contact page for additional information.
Sales and Use Tax Permit
A Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is needed for the following activities in Connecticut:
- Sale, rental, or lease of goods
- Sale of a taxable service
- Operation of a hotel, motel, or lodging house
CT’s Business Response Center
The CBRC provides a comprehensive guide which will show you the licensing requirements based on your industry.
Alternatively, you can also browse or search by industry here or contact the CBRC at 800-392-2122.
Note: There may be more places in Connecticut you need to contact.
Next Step
After you’ve researched and obtained the proper licenses and permits, you can then proceed to the next lesson: Taxes.
References
https://www.cerc.com/resources/assistance-and-information/
https://portal.ct.gov/drs
Register Your Business with CT Department of Revenue
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Hi do i need a sales tax permit if Im registered as a dba. Also do I need any permit or special license to run a carpet cleaning business.
Hi Edwin, you’ll need to check with your municipality regarding any special license. Connecticut does charge sales and use tax on some services, but that’s best to check with an accountant on. We don’t specialize in business licenses or sales take. Thanks for your understanding.
Hi Matt. Thanks for all the step-by-step instruction!
I filed for Connecticut LLC.
I want to proceed to get EIN (and possibly skip LLC approval phase).
My first client is asking for my W-9 form.
Is that the CT Department of Revenue State Tax ID Number?
Or how do I create the form?
Thank you.
Hi Marianne, you’re welcome! What do you mean by “skip LLC approval phase”? No, a W-9 has nothing to do with your state tax ID number. Form W-9 is a federal form from the IRS. Those who pay your LLC as an independent contractor will send you a 1099 at the end of every January. They request this form, the W-9, so they know how to prepare their 1099. You can download the W-9 from the IRS. See here: IRS: About Form W-9.
I’m going to assume you are the only Member of your LLC, therefore it’s a Single-Member LLC. By default, Single-Member LLCs are taxed by the IRS like a Sole Proprietor. If that’s the case, here are Form W-9 instructions:
1. Name (as shown on your income tax return): Enter your full name.
2. Business name/disregarded entity name: Enter your LLC name.
3. Check off “Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC”.
4. Exemptions likely don’t apply; can be left blank.
5 + 6. Enter your LLC’s mailing address.
7. Optional, may not apply.
Then enter your LLC’s EIN Number (leave social security number blank), sign your name, and date. Hope that helps!